The European Reminiscence Network announces a new training course and apprenticeship scheme in reminiscence arts in dementia care – in partnership with the University of Greenwich.

This 2-day training course and 4-month apprenticeship scheme will be of interest to arts practitioners, community arts workers, oral historians, occupational and arts therapists, group workers, reminiscence practitioners, and staff from health and social care services who are interested and/or experienced in positive approaches to dementia care.  Supported by Greenwich Healthier Communities Fund.

A. 2-day Training Course in Reminiscence Arts in Dementia Care

You are invited to apply for a 2-day training course to be held at the University of Greenwich.

Venue: University of Greenwich Drama Building, Bathway, Woolwich, London, SE18 6QX

Dates: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th March 2026. Time: 9:30 – 17:00 on both days. A light lunch will be served.

This experiential course will be led by highly experienced reminiscence arts practitioners and trainers, with input from volunteers and former carers. It will be certificated by the European Reminiscence Network.

B. 4-Month Apprenticeship Scheme in Reminiscence Arts in Dementia Care

Up to 10 places are available for trainees on the above course to join our apprenticeship scheme. This is for those who wish to become accredited facilitators of reminiscence groups for people living with dementia and their carers.

The apprenticeship scheme involves attending, observing and participating in at least 5 out of 8 weekly group sessions of the RYCT project with local people living with dementia and their family carers. The 8 weekly sessions will be held on Wednesday afternoons at Mycenae House from 11th March 2026.

Those who wish to become European Reminiscence Network accredited facilitators will also be required to give evidence of their ability to observe and reflect on the project through a written response, or an audio or video diary capturing their experience of the project, reflecting on the content and impact of the sessions and how far they have met the needs of the participating families. Those successfully completing these requirements will receive accreditation as RYCT facilitators from the European Reminiscence Network. Further details are available on request.

Booking Your Place

The cost of the 2-day training is £120, and for those joining the apprenticeship scheme, there will be a further £120 fee towards the support and evaluation provided by course leaders. We have two bursary places for Greenwich based unemployed or low waged trainee apprentices or volunteers at half the costs above.

If you wish to apply, please email us at information.ryct.projects@gmail.com, indicating your skills and interest in the training course – or the training and apprenticeship scheme. You are welcome to include a CV.

More Info

The training and apprenticeship scheme is part of a 10-country partnership, sharing and developing the European Reminiscence Network’s experience of running this successful project for more than 20 years.

Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today (RYCT) is a reminiscence project for people living with dementia and their carers. It originated in London with our European partners, led by Pam Schweitzer.

For over 20 years, our RYCT groups have been bringing people’s memories to life- from schooldays and work to travel and home life. Through art, music and conversation, we create a fun and welcoming space to spark joy and connection for everyone.

Sessions Run

Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, Friday afternoon